Statutory Minimum Wage: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about the national minimum hourly rate in Germany and how it ensures you are paid a fair legal baseline for your work.
The Statutory Minimum Wage is a legal requirement that sets a baseline hourly pay rate that all employers must follow.
Who it's for
This applies to every employee who is over 18 years old.
What you get
You are entitled to a specific minimum hourly rate to ensure you receive a fair baseline of pay for your labor.
What it costs you
It costs you nothing. The payment is handled automatically through your employer's payroll system.
The catch to know
In certain sectors, such as security services, industry-specific collective agreements (known as Tarifvertrag) may apply. These specific agreements often require employers to pay a higher rate than the standard statutory minimum.
How to apply
- Check your payslip to ensure your hourly rate meets the legal standard.
- Verify if your specific industry follows a different, higher pay agreement.
- Contact your employer or a relevant authority if you believe you are being underpaid.
- Visit the official portal for more details: https://www.mindestlohn.de